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Healthcare in Lithuania is affordable, easy to access, and grounded in a universal insurance system. Here’s a clear look at what international professionals should know about coverage, costs, and getting care in 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- Lithuania provides universal healthcare through compulsory health insurance (PSD).
- Employed residents are automatically covered, with most services free at point of use.
- Family doctors coordinate access to specialists and hospital care.
- Private healthcare is affordable and offers faster access if needed.
- Low co-payments and a digital e-health system make care simple and accessible.
Moving to a new country means navigating unfamiliar systems, and healthcare is often at the top of everyone’s mind. The good news? Healthcare in Lithuania is well-organised, affordable, and accessible to international professionals who make this Baltic nation their home.
Whether you’re relocating for work, bringing your family, or simply exploring your options, this guide explains how the Lithuanian healthcare system works and what you need to know to access medical services with confidence.
How the Lithuanian healthcare system works
Lithuania operates a universal healthcare system that combines public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is funded through taxation and compulsory health insurance contributions, ensuring broad access to medical services for all insured residents.
The system is organised into three main levels: primary care delivered by general practitioners at local clinics, secondary care provided by specialists and diagnostic centres, and tertiary care offered at advanced hospitals for complex medical treatment and surgical procedures. This structure ensures patients receive appropriate care at each stage of their health journey.
Compulsory health insurance: key to access to healthcare services
At the heart of healthcare access in Lithuania lies the compulsory health insurance system, known locally as privalomasis sveikatos draudimas (PSD). This mandatory scheme is managed by the National Health Insurance Fund and funded through contributions from employers and employees.
If you hold a residence permit and work in Lithuania, you’ll automatically become part of the PSD system. Your employer registers you with the National Health Insurance Fund, and contributions are deducted from your salary. Self-employed professionals must make their own monthly contributions to maintain coverage.
Free medical care is available to all residents insured under PSD, regardless of citizenship. This includes consultations with your family doctor, specialist referrals, hospital treatment, and subsidised prescription medicines.
Who qualifies for public healthcare services?
International professionals can access the public healthcare system under several conditions. Foreigners with a permanent residence permit join the system from the date their permit becomes valid. Those with a temporary residence permit who are employed in Lithuania, along with their children, are also covered.
Self-employed individuals, family members of professionals from third countries working in Lithuania, and those receiving pensions under international agreements all qualify for compulsory health insurance coverage. The key requirement is maintaining regular contributions to keep your coverage valid.
Registering with a family doctor
Your family doctor, also known as a general practitioner, serves as your first point of contact within the healthcare system. Once you’re registered with the National Health Insurance Fund, you can choose and register with any family doctor at a primary care institution that has an agreement with your Territorial Health Insurance Fund.
Your general practitioner handles routine health concerns, prescribes medications, provides preventive care, and issues referrals to specialist medical professionals when needed. Lithuania has more doctors per capita than the OECD average, with approximately 4.6 practising physicians per 1,000 residents, which contributes to accessible primary care services.
Specialist care, hospitals and emergencies
When your family doctor determines that specialist consultation is necessary, they will provide a referral. With this referral, you can visit specialists at healthcare institutions contracted with the territorial health insurance funds, and the consultation will be covered under your health insurance. Hospital treatment follows a similar pathway – admission typically requires a referral from your general practitioner or a specialist, except in emergencies.
Emergency medical services are available to all residents, regardless of insurance status. In case of a medical emergency, dial 112 or go directly to any hospital’s accident and emergency department. Emergency care is provided free of charge – simply present your identification and, if applicable, your European Health Insurance Card or proof of compulsory health insurance coverage.
Private healthcare in Lithuania
Private healthcare in Lithuania offers an alternative for those seeking shorter waiting times, more personalised attention, or specific medical professionals. Some international professionals choose to complement their public coverage with private health insurance; it typically costs between €250 and €900 per year for basic coverage.
Private clinics often employ multilingual staff and offer modern facilities with state-of-the-art equipment – a combination that has also made Lithuania an increasingly popular destination for medical tourism. For those without PSD coverage, private healthcare provides an essential pathway to medical services, though costs must be paid out of pocket or through private insurance reimbursement.
Healthcare costs: what to expect
Healthcare services covered under compulsory health insurance are generally free at the point of use. However, patients typically cover the cost of prescription medicines. Co-payments for subsidised medications are capped at €5.87 per pack, or 20% of the reference price for lower-cost medicines.
For those paying out of pocket or using private healthcare, a basic medical consultation typically costs between €20 and €100. Hospitalisation costs vary based on the length of stay and type of care, with daily rates ranging from €50 to €200 or more for premium services.
The European Health Insurance Card: coverage for visitors
If you’re visiting Lithuania temporarily from another EU country, your European Health Insurance Card provides access to medically necessary healthcare. EHIC holders can receive care from GPs, specialists, and hospitals that have agreements with the territorial health insurance funds. Keep in mind that the European Health Insurance Card does not cover private healthcare or elective treatments.
Lithuania’s e-health system
Lithuania’s national e-health system, accessible through the esveikata.lt portal and mobile app, allows residents to view their health records, check e-prescriptions, book appointments with medical professionals, and manage referrals. The esveikata mobile app, launched in 2025 and shortlisted for the World Summit Awards, is available to all residents with a Lithuanian personal identity code.
Making the most of healthcare in Lithuania
Healthcare in Lithuania offers international professionals a reliable, well-structured system that balances accessibility with quality. By understanding how compulsory health insurance works, registering with a family doctor, and knowing your options for both public and private healthcare, you can navigate the system with confidence – and find that quality medical services are well within reach in your new Baltic home.